Fly Fishing Gear, Tackle and Flies for the McKenzie River OregonWhen it comes to fly fishing gear for the McKenzie River, you first have to clarify whether youare fishing for trout, salmon or steelhead. We will recommend gear each species.

Steelhead and SalmonFly Line:The fly line we recommend for salmon fishing the McKenzie River should be either an 9 or 10 weight, floating fly line. The fly line we recommend for steelhead fishing should be a 7 or 8 weight, floating fly line. If you prefer to use a Spey rod, then the line should probably be a 9weight line made for Spey fishing.Fly Line Weight:Adding weight to your fly line is dependant on the flow and depth of the pools you are fishing. You can add a sink tip line or split shot.Fly Rod:The fly rod we recommend for salmon fishing should be an 9 or 10 weight, in a nine foot length. It is probably best in a medium fast to fast action.The fly rod we recommend for steelhead fishing is a 7 or 8 weight in a nine foot length. It is probably best in a medium fast to fast action.If you prefer to use a Spey Rod, then we suggest a 9 weight, 14 foot length rod. It should be a medium to fast action rod.Leader:You want a stiff, hard leader material like our Perfect Fly leaders. The size should range from a minimum of ten pound test up to twelve pound test. They should be nine to fifteen feet long for a regular fly rod and from ten and a half to fifteen feet for two handed Spey rods. If you use a sinking fly line, you would want them only about four to six feet long. We have hand-tied Perfect Fly steelhead leaders.Tippet:You want to carry plenty of extra tippet material for ten to twelve pound test. It too should be hard, stiff material that is abrasive resistance.Waders:Unless you want to fish from the banks in the few areas it is practical, then waders are necessary. We suggest them even if you fish from a drift boat.Wading Boots:The wading boots you use are very important. Both cleats and rubber/felt bottoms are used.Landing Net:A landing net is recommended. The main requirement is that the net should be very large. The net area should be at least 15 inches wide by 20 inches long. The overall length is usually around 32 inches.Flies:We have a complete line of flies for steelhead and salmon. We have selected them as the most popular flies from thousands of patterns that have been developed over the years. We have some of our own Perfect Fly steelhead and salmon patterns. They imitate the hexigenia mayfly nymph, certain caddisfly nymphs, stonefly nymphs and fish roe or eggs that are found in the river throughout the year. We also have a full line of popular wet flies, egg flies, Spey flies that are very popular. We hope you will give our flies a try.

For Trout:Fly Line:We recommend either a 4 or 5 weight floating line for the trout. Some anglers may prefer to use a 6 weight fly line for their nymphs and streamer fishing, but it wouldn't be absolutely necessary.Fly Rod:We recommend a rod for the 4, 5 or 6 weight line that is nine feet in length in a medium fast to fast action.Fly Reel:The reel for the four, five or six weight rod should have a decent drag. It should be smooth. A disc drag that adjust in fine increments would be best.Leaders:You should use leaders from 71/2 foot to 12 foot in length for the McKenzie River. I suggest having them in sizes ranging from 0X for streamers, up to 6X for small dry flies and midges, in the various lengths.Tippet:You should have extra tippet in sizes ranging from 0X to 6X.Waders:Waders are necessary for the McKenzie River. We prefer the breathable type. You may want neoprene waders during cold weather.Wading Boots:Much of the bottom in either gravel, sand or rock. You would not want cleats. Felt soles are the best.Landing Net:A landing net is purely optional.Trout Flies:We definitely recommend our "Perfect Fly" trout flies. They are by far the best flies for the McKenzie River because they are the most realistic flies you can purchase. We haveimitations of every insect and other trout food that is present in this stream. If you haven't done so already, we ask you to give them a try. We know you will not be disappointed.

Options For Selecting Flies:1. Email us (sales@perfectflystore.com)with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response.

2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need.

3. Email us (sales@perfectflystore.com)with a budget for flies and we will select them to match the budget and get them to you in time for your fly fishing trip.

All orders are shipped free in theU. S. Orders over $50 are shipped via Priority Mail.